In this second part of our Christmas mini-series, Lori Lane and guest Mary Prather continue the conversation on how music can be a powerful, grace-filled tool in discipling your children. This isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. Whether you’re playing classical pieces during math time or singing sacred hymns at bedtime, music has the power to soften hearts, shape the atmosphere of your home, and anchor your family in Christ.

You’ll hear practical rhythms for families in every season (even the messy ones), insight into the best sacred and classical resources, and encouragement for parents who want to create beauty and connection during the Christmas season—no musical talent required.

In this episode:

• Why sacred music creates emotional and spiritual connection
• How to create a realistic rhythm of musical discipleship
• The power of Handel’s Messiah and classical music in shaping faith
• Choosing music like a healthy diet for your child’s soul
• How to make beauty part of your family legacy

#LegacyParenting #ChristianParenting #MusicDiscipleship #ChristmasWithKids #GospelCenteredParenting #FamilyWorship #AdventMusic #HomeschoolMusic #HandelsMessiah #SacredMusic #DisciplingChildren #CharlotteMason #FaithFilledHome

In this special Christmas episode, Lori welcomes longtime friend and music educator Mary Prather to explore how sacred music can shape the atmosphere of your home and the hearts of your children during the Advent season. Rather than treating Christmas music as background noise, Mary helps us see it as a discipleship tool—one that forms affection, builds rhythms of worship, and quiets the noise of a busy holiday culture.

Together, they discuss how parents can recover simple, meaningful practices such as Advent hymns, listening rituals, and Scripture-centered musical traditions—even if you “don’t feel musical.” Encouraging and deeply practical, this conversation shows how the beauty of Christmas music can lead your children toward awe, peace, and a deeper love for Christ.

• How sacred music becomes a formational tool in a child’s spiritual life
• Why Advent rhythms anchor the home in truth amid December busyness
• Simple ways to reintroduce hymns, carols, and Scripture-songs into daily routines
• What to do if you feel “non-musical” (and how to start anyway)
• Mary’s favorite carols, resources, and listening rhythms for families
• How curated playlists and musical habits calm the heart and point children to Christ

About Mary Prather

Mary Prather is a veteran homeschool mom who has graduated two children from her homeschool journey. Married for 28 years to her husband, Hal, Mary brings her love of family, teaching, and the arts into everything she does. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Supervision, she has combined her passions for music and education to serve families through SQUILT Music Appreciation—the curriculum she founded in 2011 to help make fine arts accessible and joyful for every learner. When she’s not teaching or creating, Mary enjoys great books, serving in her church’s special needs ministry, and all things related to music.

Connect with Mary

• Website: Homegrown Learners
• Webside: SQUILT Music Appreciation
• Instagram: Homegrown Leaners
• Instagram: SQUILT Music

Legacy Parenting Resource:

➡️ Trends vs. Truth: A Path to Counter-Cultural Parenting

Your free 5-episode private podcast series + discussion guide

Every parent wrestles with how to handle Christmas “wants.” But at Legacy, we believe the season is one of the richest opportunities to disciple the heart—not just manage the wishlist.

In today’s episode, John and Lori Lane guide us through how to parent biblically and intentionally when consumer culture gets loud. You’ll hear a powerful reminder: discipling your child toward Christ in December might be the most lasting gift you give all year.

Whether it’s unmet expectations, wish list disappointment, or the deeper longings for value and recognition, this episode offers truth-centered encouragement and practical tools to shepherd your child well.

Takeaways:

• Why biblical gift-giving is rooted in the Gospel
• The contrast between Herod and the wise men—and what it reveals about worship
• How to uncover the heart behind your child’s disappointment
• Simple family practices that re-center the focus on Christ
• Encouragement for weary parents: why it’s okay not to give them everything

Is there really such a thing as a “perfect” holiday season?

This episode is a personal one. I’m opening up about the pressure we carry into the Christmas season—especially as moms, grandmas, adult children, and women who care deeply about creating meaningful memories.

From unrealistic expectations to the quiet ache of comparison, this season can weigh heavy on our hearts. I’m sharing what I’ve learned—and am still learning—about letting go of perfection, celebrating what’s real, and finding peace in the middle of the mess.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of planning, missing someone you love, or just craving a quieter kind of Christmas…this one is for you.

Let’s lower the pressure and raise our presence.

Listen in as I reflect on:

• Why we set the bar so high during the holidays
• How unrealistic expectations affect our families
• Three heart-level shifts that bring peace, not pressure
• The freedom of choosing presence over perfection
• You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do Christmas perfectly to make it meaningful.

#ChristmasStress #HolidayExpectations #FaithfulNotFlawless #LegacyParenting #RealChristmas

In this special Advent episode of Legacy Parenting, Lori Lane invites us to step off the hamster wheel of holiday hustle and embrace sacred space—margin that leads to heart-level transformation. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical rhythms, Lori helps us realign our family calendar with what matters most: Christ.

We explore the difference between doing everything good and choosing the best things—the ones that make room for reflection, connection, and discipleship. Whether you're a first-time parent or a grandparent navigating family traditions, this episode gives you permission (and a framework) to parent with purpose this season.

Key Takeaways:

• How “sacred space” creates room for spiritual transformation
• Why margin matters more than a full schedule during Advent
• The biblical foundation for intentional rhythms at Christmas
• Personal examples from John and Lori's family about saying “yes” on purpose—and “no” with peace
• Ideas for creating a slower, Christ-centered Christmas through Scripture, music, quiet evenings, and simple acts of kindness
• Encouragement to parent with eternal vision, not just seasonal performance

🎧 Don't forget to subscribe and share this Advent series with a friend or fellow parent looking for peace and purpose this Christmas.

#LegacyParenting #AdventReflections #ChristCenteredChristmas #BiblicalParenting #SacredSpace #MarginMatters #SlowChristmas #IntentionalParenting #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianParentingPodcast #FaithFilledHolidays #GospelCenteredParenting #HeartFocusedParenting #RaisingKingdomKids #JesusIsTheReason

In this encouraging episode of the Legacy Parenting Podcast, Lori Lane is joined by Christie Thomas—children’s ministry leader, family discipleship coach, and author of Little Shoots, Deep Roots. Together, they unpack how tiny, grace-filled habits can lay a powerful spiritual foundation for your children without overwhelming your days.

Christie shares her journey from insecurity and performance-based parenting to a place of peace, wisdom, and practical discipleship at home. Through relatable stories and science-backed habit strategies, she reveals how just 3–5 minutes of intentional time each day can cultivate deep-rooted faith in your kids.

• Why small habits lead to lasting transformation
• What the “Seed, Sprout, Root” discipleship model looks like in real life
• How to use “anchor prompts” to build faith habits into your daily rhythms
• How sanctification in your own life impacts your children
• The truth about spiritual leadership when your spouse isn’t actively involved
• Why fun and freedom matter in family discipleship

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure where to start, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged and equipped to lead your family with biblical confidence—one small step at a time.

📘 Recommended Resource: Little Shoots, Deep Roots by Christy Thomas

➡️ https://littleshootsdeeproots.com

📲 Follow Christy:

Instagram: @littleshootsdeeproots

YouTube: @bedtimedevomama

🎧 Listen to more episodes at: LegacyParenting.org/legacypodcast

#ChristianParenting #FamilyDiscipleship #FaithHabits #LegacyParenting #BiblicalParenting #ChristyThomas #ParentingPodcast #FaithAtHome #RaisingGodlyKids #StartLittleGrowDeep

How do you honor extended family while staying true to your convictions during the holidays? In this Legacy Parenting episode, Lori Lane shares how to balance old traditions with new rhythms, communicate with grace, and build a Christ-centered home culture—without guilt or resentment.

Holidays can bring joy—and pressure. In this Legacy Parenting episode, Lori Lane helps families navigate extended family expectations during the Christmas season while protecting the spiritual culture of their own home. With biblical principles, real-life examples, and practical wisdom, you’ll walk away equipped to handle family tensions with grace, honor your parents without guilt, and build lasting legacy across generations.

In This Episode:

Why legacy is built across generations—not just in one

How to approach conflicting family traditions with biblical clarity

The tension between expectations and convictions during the holidays

Why honoring your marriage and your own children comes first

How open communication (not defensiveness) can protect peace

Encouragement for grandparents in staying connected with the next generation

Related Resource:

FREE 5-Episode Series: Trends vs. Truth: A Path to Countercultural Parenting

– Gospel-centered help for navigating parenting in today’s world. - https://app.flodesk.com/form/6822114311f5adeb75cdfe3d

#LegacyParenting #BiblicalParenting #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyLegacy #ChristianFamily #ParentingWithPurpose #FaithAndFamily #LeaveAndCleave #HolidayTraditions #ChristCenteredHome

In this second part of the “Raising Grateful Kids” series, Lori and John Lane shift from heart posture to daily practice. How do you build a family culture where gratitude becomes normal, not forced? And how do you shape the soil of your home to grow thankfulness, especially in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world?

This episode is filled with tangible rhythms—like family dinners, gratitude jars, Sabbath reflection, and prayer practices—that disciple your child’s heart and renew your own. You’ll also learn how to honor each child’s unique wiring as an image-bearer of God and discover why gratitude is a necessary fruit of biblical parenting.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why habits are essential to cultivating gratitude
• How to model thankfulness without preaching
• Family rhythms that anchor kids in God's provision
• How Scripture and identity shape lasting gratitude
• Why gratitude grows through repetition and reflection

You don’t need a checklist to raise grateful kids—you need a legacy-minded home shaped by truth and grace.

🔗 Download our FREE 5-part private podcast:

Trends vs. Truth: A Path to Countercultural Parenting - https://app.flodesk.com/form/6822114311f5adeb75cdfe3d

#LegacyParenting #GratefulKids #ChristianParenting #FaithFilledFamily #BiblicalParenting #ParentingWithPurpose #DisciplingKids #GratitudeHabits #RaisingThankfulKids #ImagoDeiParenting